I received a message with a number of photos from a woman who was interested in genital piercing:

I've been wanting to get a genital piercing for awhile now and even went to a piercing studio to see if they can do it. The piercer there said that I can only get a clitoral piercing or outer labia piercings. He hadn't done a clitoral piercing so I put it off. What is your opinioin?

I received a message from a gentleman who is interested in getting a Prince Albert, but he has a low urethra and expressed concern:

I have always considered the idea of getting a PA piercing, and recently have been wanting to have something new done. My question for you though is concerning whether or not I can even have this type of piercing done.... My concern is that the opening for my urethra is very low. I will enclose the best pic I can manage to try to give you a better idea. Thanks for any insight you can provide me!

There's a new piercing-related product that I wanted to let people know about. It is called "Funk-Off" and it is a piercing deodorant.

Buy Here Soon!

This is what I say about it in The Piercing Bible, specifically as related to nasal septum piercings:

Septum Piercing: Septum StenchOnce your piercing is healed, you may encounter septum stench (the pungent, rot- ten odor that comes from the sebum that accumulates in healed piercing channels). It is a normal secretion from piercings throughout the body (see “Normal Piercing Secretions,” page 182). However, because your septum piercing is inside your nose, the distinctive aroma is obvious when the smelly substance is present. Don’t worry: only you can smell it!

I received a message from a woman in the Caribbean who got a VCH piercing and she felt it wasn't right:

Hoping you can help. I'm a very avid from from all the way in the Caribbean that spends a lot of time on your site. Recently (yesterday) I got a VCH done that I've been wanting forever. However, it does not look like the pics I see on your site. I think the ring is either too small or it was pierced to far up. Meaning the ring enters exactly at the top of my clitoral hood and looks like its fighting to stay in. Can I send you a pic and you let me know if I should take it out please please? I really don't want anything to go wrong in my precious nether region.Thanks!

Hello! I bought your book at barnes and noble, also I have recently began a piercing apprenticeship and your book has helped very much! Thank you! Although I do have a question that I just can't seem to find an answer for...

...I plan to be a professional body piercer full time once my apprenticeship is complete, but do professional piercers (after completing the apprenticeship) generally make enough money to survive and live off of doing this alone? How much does a newer piercer generally make in a year, on a commissioned basis (50/50 split)? Or Will I need a second job?

I figured you were the expert, and it couldn't hurt to ask. Thanks so much!!!

My reply:

Hi J.,

Glad to hear that my book has been helpful for you.

I know many, many piercers who make a living from the job. But...there can be big differences in how busy studios are (and thus earning potential) dependent upon geographic region, local economy and quantity and quality of competition, and countless other factors.

So, I can speak only from experience within my studio, Rings of Desire, which was in New Orleans (it closed after Hurricane Katrina and I moved to Mexico).

My employees were well compensated and definitely earned a living by being piercers. I even provided them with medical insurance and other benefits like paid vacation time! However, I paid a salary, as I wanted my staff to be equally rewarded for sweeping, mopping, and tidying jewelry displays as they were for piercing.

First I would like to thank you personally for writing such a great book on piercing. I have found it to be informative and a great support throughout my different piercings.

About six years ago I had a PA and an ampallang procedure done around the same time, my PA has stayed with me ever sense (currently stretched to a 2) but my ampallang had to be retired after only a few days. The problem I had is that my piercer suggested a long bar as an initial choice for jewelry and I have a lot of foreskin. The pressure was excrutiating. My lover believes it would be a fun piercing but I am not sure how or if this piercing will be possible considering my anatomy. I've also yet to see many images of uncut men with this piercing on the popular websites. Have you encountered this situation and can you shed some light on what us uncut men can do to have a successful chance with this piercing?

I received a message from a girl who was interested in becoming a piercer:

Hello,

I've been interested in becoming a piercing artist for a while and have asked about apprenticeships, but have had no luck until today when one of the artists at a nearby shop said that he would apprentice me for one hundred dollars a week. Should I consider this? Would a reputable place ask for this or are they just interested in getting my money?

This is something I'm serious about doing and am willing to do anything for at this point.

I got my vch done about a week and a half ago. I have several ear piercings but no body piercings. I'm 40 and going through some big changes in my life. A friend gave me a gift certificate to a local shop, which I researched and I thought this a good time and place to do a vch.

The Piercing

The healing process has been pretty standard. Salt soaks, ice and neutragena soap. However, I've noticed that it's swollen on the left side of the piercing. And it's incredible itchy - not on the piercing itself but around it. It's not oozey or overly red or painful (at all) just itchy and lopsidedly swollen.

I'm just wondering if I should take it out or if it's too soon to tell.

I've read that you advise people with piercing questions. I understand if this is wrong info.Just wondering.Thank youClose up showing irritation